My birthday was a great day and work issues.

Yesterday I turned 29 for the 15th time! Can you imagine? It was a great day and I got to spend it pretty much how I wanted to. It was very cold here with temps in the 20's and a wind that would whip right through you, but other than that, it was sweet. I received many special messages from friends and family (they really DO like me!) and I ended up at 9:00pm last night at Starbuck's by myself. No, I LIKE being by myself when I can be. I received belated wishes today and still have my Starbuck's gift card to spend since my coffee was free last night with the help of a dear Jessica who works there. It was her birthday gift to me...thanks!

Work has been difficult lately. As much as I love my job, I had thoughts today of exploring other options. It's not the job...it's policies handed down by management that I am not sure I want to deal with anymore. There is a policy that our aerobic classes have to average 8 participants or else they are cancelled the next month. During times like now...with the holidays upon us and people shopping and traveling, our class participation has been low and I have had to cancel a handful of classes. You may think that is no big deal but to the the few members that are still attending these classes, this is huge! I then become the p.r. person, the sounding board, the go -between, the one that has to keep on a happy face and then I go cry in my managers office. I understand that there is a budget and operating costs, I just think they can refigure some things to allow those classes to continue. Our lead sales rep said in our meeting yesterday that our aerobics program is his biggest selling tool.

I NEVER have thought about leaving my company until today. 4 of my regular ladies sent scathing letters to management. I knew this would happen. I TOLD them it would. And yet, I keep getting told that the numbers speak for themselves and if the classes were popular ones then this wouldn't happen. To some degree, he's right. But he is also wrong in that LIFE happens! People travel, get busy, and yes, let their fitness drop to the wayside. It's temporarily NOT the top priority. But to the few it is infuriating to them to be told that the next month their classes will be cancelled. Before leaving to day I told him that I was okay, that I would implement policy and procedres, and that I would be as positive as I can be to the members. But I really am not okay. I don't know if I want to continue to deal with this because it will ALWAYS be an issue since there is an ebb and flow to health clubs. Some seasons are busier than others. Oh, and I didn't mention the LOW budget they put my deparment on. If my payroll goes over a certain amount, I have to cut back classes there, too.

On another note, tonight Mike and the girls have a show and Sam and I will be attending his football banquet where he will receive his letterman's jacket. He is so excited. I also did more prep. training to start personal training members. I won't be certified tos tart but will hoep to get that in February. I am getting my advanced Pilates first.

That's all for today except that I hope to have some pics for you...